Residents across Gloucestershire are being invited to write or update their Will for free this May, thanks to a partnership between Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) and Red Kite Solicitors. As part of the charity’s ‘Make a Will in May’ campaign, there are no standard fees. Instead, anyone taking part is invited to make a voluntary donation of their choice to support GWAAC’s lifesaving work.
Why making a Will matters
Making or updating a Will is an important way to protect the people who matter most – ensuring that wishes are honoured and loved ones are looked after. Once they have done that, many people also choose to leave a gift in their Will to a cause close to their heart: something that will go on making a difference long after they’re gone.
Gifts to charities are also exempt from Inheritance Tax, meaning a gift in a Will can reduce the tax burden on an estate while leaving a meaningful legacy.
Hanna Chambers, Supporter Engagement Manager at GWAAC, said: “Writing a Will is one of the most loving things you can do for the people you care about, and we know it’s something many of us put off for longer than we should. We’re so grateful to Red Kite Solicitors for removing the financial barrier and making it that little bit easier this May. There’s no obligation to include GWAAC, but for those who do, a gift in a Will – however large or small – can have a lasting, lifesaving impact. Ultimately, you’ll be helping us be there for your loved ones long into the future.”
How to access the free Will-writing service
The free service is available at selected Red Kite Solicitors branches in Cirencester, Gloucester, Stroud, Stonehouse, Dursley, Cheltenham and Cinderford, with further access also available through the National Free Wills Network via the GWAAC website for those not near a participating branch.
Rachael Abbott, Partner and Head of Wills and Probate at Red Kite Solicitors said: “Make a Will in May is an exceptional campaign, that offers people the chance to get a professionally written Will while supporting an important cause that helps save lives across our local community.”
To find out more and to book an appointment, visit: gwaac.com/wills
About GWAAC
The campaign comes as GWAAC continues to support people across Gloucestershire, where it was called to help 677 people in urgent need of medical care last year. GWAAC relies entirely on public donations to raise more than £4 million each year to remain operational, receiving no day-to-day Government or National Lottery funding. One in six missions is made possible by gifts left in Wills, helping to fund the charity’s Critical Care Team of Doctors, Advanced Practitioners and Specialist Paramedics.
The team attends an average of more than six patients a day across Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and parts of Wiltshire, with each mission costing around £2,200.
